The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
